News Summary
Fayat Group and Cohn Construction have commenced work on a $13.7 million distribution center in Ridgeway, South Carolina, covering 100,000 square feet. This project aims to meet the growing demand for industrial space in the Midlands area, influenced by increased pressure from both industrial and residential developers. Scout Motors’ forthcoming manufacturing facility in Blythewood, promising over 4,000 jobs, is a critical driver for this demand, highlighting the region’s evolving commercial real estate landscape.
South Carolina – Fayat Group and Cohn Construction have officially broken ground on a $13.7 million distribution center located in Ridgeway, South Carolina. The construction of the facility began on August 11, 2025, and will cover a total of 100,000 square feet.
The Midlands commercial real estate market is experiencing increased pressure as it competes for industrial land amid growing demands from both industrial and residential developers. According to Colliers’ latest report, there is a noteworthy decline in the availability of high-quality industrial land in the Midlands, particularly in regions close to the rapidly expanding Interstate 77 corridor and freight facilities associated with Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
During the past two quarters, an estimated 28% of Class A industrial space has been leased, indicating a thriving demand for such properties. This growing interest in industrial real estate is predicted to usher in a new cycle of speculative development, particularly as suppliers for Scout Motors seek adequate space for operations.
Scout Motors is poised to invest over $2 billion in South Carolina to establish a manufacturing facility in Blythewood. This operation is anticipated to generate over 4,000 jobs and aims to produce approximately 200,000 vehicles annually by peak capacity, with production set to commence in 2027. The resultant workforce growth has driven the need for industrial sites, which has constrained the availability of rail-adjacent and utility-served locations suitable for development.
Despite a surge in leasing volumes expected through the end of 2025, investment sales within the Midlands are progressing at a slower pace due to the intense competition from both residential and industrial builders for available land. This competition has heightened the demand for adaptable and well-located industrial sites while simultaneously driving up prices and limiting options for potential developers.
The establishment of the new distribution center in Ridgeway aims to alleviate some of the industrial land demand pressures, providing additional capacity to support logistics and distribution operations in the growing region. The facility represents a significant investment that aligns with the ongoing trend of expanding industrial capabilities in South Carolina.
As the Midlands market continues to grapple with the competing interests of various development sectors, stakeholders will need to navigate these challenges to accommodate the increasing need for industrial space alongside the burgeoning residential requirements. The landscape of commercial real estate in the Midlands is evolving dynamically, and continued monitoring of these trends will be essential for prospective developers, investors, and local governments alike.
The Ridgeway project reflects the broader trends in the Midlands industrial market and highlights the ongoing investment in infrastructure and facilities to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economic environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
